Trophy presentation closes 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race

The 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race came to an end on December 31 at the Grand Chancellor Hotel in Hobart, where the Official Prize Giving took place.

Welcoming guests, including Her Excellency, the Governor of Tasmania, Professor Warner, A.M., and General Manager - Rolex Australia Patrick Boutellier, Royal Yacht Club of Tasmania Commodore Tracy Matthews remarked:

"I have to thank our major sponsor Rolex for their continued support of the race.

"Boxing Day in my family has always meant two things; my father's birthday, and the start of the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race."

Tracy Matthews finished encouraging many to return for the 75th anniversary of the race: "This race has an impact outside our sailing community... we will write the next chapter and keep the dream alive!"

Before presenting trophies, Her Excellency, the Governor spoke.

"This is the fifth year that I have attended this presentation, and it really is a great privilege to be here. All my life I have followed the Rolex Sydney Hobart. This is the 74th race and it has for some time been internationally recognised as one of the three classic ocean races yet it still remains to be an event that attracts smaller yachts, the Australian Army Yacht Gun Runner for example"

Her Excellency finished: "I have to congratulate Rolex who have been a sponsor since 2002.

First Yacht Out of Sydney Heads, the Jack Rooklyn Memorial Trophy and Replica to Black Jack (Peter Harburg). Black Jack also received the CYCA Trophies for second over the line, and third in IRC Division 1. The trophies were accepted by crew member Liam Woulfe.

Third over the line CYCA Trophy was presented to Comanche (Jim Cooney and Samantha Grant).

First Yacht Due South of Tasman Island, the F and J Livingstone and Replica to Wild Oats XI (The Oatley Family).

Represented by Mark Richards, Wild Oats XI was also presented with the line honours J.H. Illingworth Trophy and Replica, and the Rolex Yacht Master timepiece.

Richards said, "What an epic battle, this race was unbelievably close the whole way. I said to the crew that if we had have finished 4th we would have been extremely proud of what we achieved, but I am very happy to be taking this trophy home," he laughed.

For the yacht travelling from the furthers port to compete for the Polish Trophy and Plaque, was Lunatix owned by Friedrich Boehnert from Germany.

First Boat under 9.5m LOA across the finish line was presented to Gun Runner, skippered by Reece Young of the Army Sailing Club. Gun Runner also won the Oggin Cup and plaque for the first Armed Services Yacht on Corrected Time, as well as the York Family Trophy for first in the Corinthian Division.

The CYCA Trophy for third in IRC Division 3 went to Tony Kirby's Patrice.

Third in ORCi Division 2 went to Prospector for the CYCA Trophy, owned by the Shelter Island Transatlantic Partners.

The CYCA Trophy for third in IRC Division 0 went to Ron O'Hanley's Privateer.

The CYCA Commodore Paul Billingham spoke before presenting the following trophies:

"It has been an incredible five days to deliver most exciting and closest race.

"We have a desire to deliver a race that evolves... and that's what the CYCA commits going forward.

"There is a need to learn and constantly improve and evolve the race towards to the future... We really want to deliver the best race and the best experience for everyone."

The CYCA Trophies for second in ORCi Division 2 and third in IRC Division 1 went to Matt Allen's Ichi Ban.

The RYCT Trophy and Storm Bay Cup for third in IRC Overall went to Hugh Ellis' Voodoo, which also won the TasPorts Trophy for first in ORCi Division 2 and the George Barton Trophy for first in IRC Division 1.

The City of Hobart Trophy, the Bass Strait Cup and the Solo Trophy for second on IRC overall went to Wild Oats X, skippered by Stacey Jackson and owned by the Oatley Family. Wild Oats X also won the CYCA Trophies for second in IRC Division 0 and second in ORCi Division 1.

The Meritorious Service Award was awarded to RYCT Past Commodore Alastair Douglas OAM.

Patrick Boutellier, General Manager of Rolex Australia presented the following trophies:

For the first yacht under 18.5m LOA across the line, Winning Appliances was presented with the Apollo Trophy, skippered by John Winning Jr. Winning Appliances was also presented with the CYCA Trophy for second in IRC Division 1.

The designer of the winning yacht for the Alan Payne Memorial Trophy was presented to Alive by Reichel/Pugh Design.

The Bill Owen Memorial Trophy for the navigator of the winning yacht and the City of Hobart Trophy for the navigator of the first Tasmanian yacht on corrected time went to Wouter Verbraak of Alive.

Alive skipper Duncan Hine was then presented with the TasPorts Trophy for first Tasmanian yacht on IRC, The Charleston Trophy for first in ORCi Division 1 and the Rushcutter Trophy for first in IRC Division 0.

Alive then received the Tattersall Cup, the RORC Plaque and the Government of Tasmania Trophy for first overall on IRC. Hine was then presented with the Rolex Yacht Master timepiece for the overall win in the Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race.

"What an amazing race! We had a great battle with Wild Oats X, they kept us honest and on our toes. We never stopped pushing the boat and always watching, so congratulations on your amazing race," he said of the all-female professional team.

"I would like thank Rolex for putting their name to this great race... as well as the CYCA and the RYCT for putting on the race.

"I of course would like to thank Phillip Turner for his friendship and his unwavering faith and support for the team."

Patrick Boutellier had the closing remarks:

"At Rolex we are very proud to be a part of this race. The Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race is the jewel in the crown of the many events that we support around the world.

"Thank you for your amazing hospitality; the opportunity to meet so many sailors and show us that our support is greatly appreciated.

"We look forward to seeing you all on Boxing Day in 2019."

The Cruising Yacht Club of Australia congratulates all winners and each and every competitor in the 2018 Rolex Sydney Hobart Yacht Race. We look forward to seeing you on the start line in 2019 for the 75th anniversary of the race.